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A seamless 401(k) for California businesses

Help your team save more and meet California's retirement plan mandate with a Guideline 401(k).

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The mandate in a nutshell

California employers must offer a retirement plan. The final deadline for most businesses was June 30, 2022. Those that are newly eligible this year or have 1-4 employees have deadlines coming up.
  • 5+ employees

    December 31, 2023

  • 1-4 employees

    December 31, 2025

Get a 401(k) that checks all the boxes

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    Save time each pay run

    We securely sync with your TriNet HR Plus payroll.
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    Help them save 3x more

    With a 401(k), your employees can contribute more than they could with an IRA—up to 3x more.1
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    Optimize your plan

    Create a stronger benefit with features like employer matching, profit sharing, and vesting schedules.
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    Invest with confidence

    We provide professionally managed investment portfolios, educational webinars and live support.

Everyone has a future.

Now everyone can invest in one.

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See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use and protect your information.

CalSavers FAQs

What is the mandate?

The CalSavers Program was created to encourage more people to save for retirement. It requires California employers with 5 or more employees to provide access to a retirement plan. The plan can either be a private plan like a 401(k) or the state-sponsored plan.

When does the mandate take effect?

For companies with 5+ employees, the deadline is December 31, 2023.
For companies with 1-4 employees, the deadline is December 31, 2025.

Which employers are impacted by the retirement mandate?

You are eligible to participate in the CalSavers Program if:

  • Your business is registered to conduct business in the state of California
  • You have at least five California based employees
  • Your employees must be 18 years old to enroll in CalSavers
  • You don’t currently offer a qualified retirement savings program to your employees

Does Guideline satisfy the retirement mandate?

Yes. Guideline's 401(k) plans are designed and priced with small businesses in mind. Starting a Guideline 401(k) satisfies the California retirement mandate.2
  • 1
    Subject to IRS cost-of-living adjustments. In 2025, individuals can contribute up to $23,500 between their Roth and Pre-tax 401(k) account. If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $7,500 ($31,000 in total). Individuals can contribute up to $7,000 between their traditional and Roth IRA accounts. If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 ($8,000 in total).
  • 2
    Visit the CalSavers program site to learn more.

Guideline.com is owned and operated by Guideline, Inc. This website contains content from Guideline, Inc. and its affiliates, each a separate entity with different regulatory marketing requirements and standards. References to "our" or "we" on this website refer solely to Guideline RK, LLC unless otherwise specifically stated.

The information in this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be an offer, recommendation, investment advice, legal or tax advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. By using this website, you agree to Guideline, Inc.’s Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use. Neither Guideline, Inc. nor its subsidiaries, are responsible for information provided by third parties. Information included herein from third parties is believed to be reliable however Guideline, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of that information.

Guideline, Inc. is a technology company that provides an integrated platform to companies who seek to work with 1) Guideline RK, LLC ("Guideline") and/or 2) Guideline Investments, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"), both of which are wholly owned by Guideline Holdings, LLC. Guideline Holdings, LLC is wholly owned by Guideline, Inc. Neither Guideline, Inc. nor Guideline Holdings, LLC or Guideline RK, LLC is involved in securities activities and is not registered with the SEC or FINRA. Neither Guideline, Inc., nor any of its affiliates, is a bank.

Investment advisory services for Guideline’s 401(k) (when 3(38) fiduciary services are selected) and SEP IRA/IRA products are offered by Guideline Investments, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. For more information regarding fees and services, see Guideline Investments, LLC’s ADV 2A Brochure and Form CRS. References throughout this website to investment advisory services including but not limited to: investments offered, portfolios, managed portfolios, investment philosophy, assets under management (AUM), annual account fees expressed as a percentage of AUM, suitability questionnaire, 3(38) investment advisory management fiduciary services, robo-advisory services, and investment advice, unless otherwise specifically stated, are services provided by Guideline Investments, LLC. Investing involves risk and may lose money, including loss of principal. Investing is not guaranteed and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. The investment options offered by Guideline Investments, LLC are not FDIC insured.

Recordkeeping services for Guideline’s 401(k) and SEP IRA/IRA products are offered by Guideline RK, LLC. 3(16) plan administration services are also offered by Guideline RK, LLC and only made available to clients who utilize an eligible payroll provider. For more information on Guideline’s pricing, see here. Guideline uses a third-party to provide custodial services. Custodial fees are paid by Guideline.

Any graphs, charts, and other visual aids (collectively referred to as "image(s)") are provided for information purposes only. None of these images can of themselves be used to make investment decisions. No representation is made that these will assist any person in making investment decisions and no image can capture all factors and variables required in making such decisions.

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